News Release

Thursday, August 23, 2001

Foreign Students Assaulted and Robbed in the Valley

"Foreign Students Assaulted and Robbed in the Valley"

Northridge: On Wednesday, August 22, 2001, approximately 9:40 p.m., two Japanese students, a 20-year-old male and an 18-year-old female were walking in the 18200 Block of Plummer Street, when a suspect approached on foot and threatened them with a handgun. The suspect directed the two students to an adjacent parking lot where he robbed the male of $30.00 and then ordered him to lay on the pavement. The suspect then ordered the female at gunpoint to get into his vehicle, which was parked in the same lot. The suspect entered the vehicle and covered the victim's face preventing her from seeing. The suspect then drove from the location, leaving the male victim in the parking lot. The male victim ran after the suspect's vehicle, but lost sight of it. He then notified the police from a nearby payphone.

The suspect drove for approximately 20 minutes to an unknown location. The suspect took the victim inside and sexually assaulted her. After the assault, the suspect took the victim back to his vehicle with her eyes still covered and ordered her to lie down on the back seat. The suspect then drove for approximately 15-20 minutes before dropping her off in the 11300 Block of Riverside Drive in North Hollywood.

The two students are in the United States attending "English First," a private four-week language school that is held on the California State University Northridge Campus, but is not affiliated with the university.

The suspect was described as a male, Black, unknown eye color, 5'9"-6'0", 200-220 pounds, approximately 30 years old, light complexion, with a shaved head and possible eyeglasses.

Suspect's vehicle was described as a 4-door, red, 1995/1996 Sports Utility Vehicle.

Anyone with information should contact Robbery-Homicide Division Detectives Marcia or Lambkin at 213-485-2511.